NORTH BRUNSWICK — Alan Hall had a big task ahead of him on June 13.
Not only was he participating in the second annual Thank You North Brunswick Luncheon at the township high school during the day, but at night he was going to read a speech at the WABC television studio in New York.
“I’m nervous, but excited,” he said.
Hall, a junior, is a student in the POSSibilities (Providing Opportunities for Student Success) transitional program at North Brunswick Township High School. Producer Nancy Kennedy from WABC-TV visited the school May 24 to film a segment for “Above and Beyond: Inspiring Students and Teachers,” which will air on Channel 7 on Saturday, June 23.
“This showcases the great talents and abilities, and what we’ve done throughout the year,” teacher Marjorie Scaduto said. “It’s a really great feeling to feel so proud. … We’re just trying to take it all in. It’s really exciting and overwhelming.”
Hall was chosen because of his work at ShopRite in Renaissance on Route 130. He began as a volunteer, but when he turned 16 years old, he got a paid position bagging groceries three times a week.
“It’s a good environment,” he said. “You meet new people.”
From a store perspective, Hall learned how to bag groceries: keep the cold items together, and put eggs and bread in a separate bag, he said.
From a life skills perspective, he said he learned how to be more confident, how to feel good about himself, and that if he works hard, he can succeed.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said.
All of the students in the POSSibilities program study course subjects such as math, English and career skills, but they then apply their knowledge in the community .
Carolina Mendia, a freshman, also volunteered at ShopRite. She went shopping for teachers as a customer, buying what they needed from their order form.
“It teaches you a lesson that in the future when you grow up you already know how to pick out stuff,” she said.
She also enjoyed visiting a local bank, getting to count money, write a check and sign her name.
“The people were nice. They taught us what was a teller, and how you can get your own office.”
Mendia said the POSSibilities program helps prepare students for getting a job after high school or college. Her dream is to be a hip-hop dancer or a police detective.
About 100 students, parents, staff members and administrators joined Scaduto and fellow teachers Laurie Miller and Elizabeth Reilly at the luncheon, which was provided by Chartwell’s. The attendees were treated to sandwiches, a video about the POSSibilities program, and an awards presentation.
Participating businesses and organizations included various department at NBTHS, Parsons Elementary School, Marshalls, CVS, Retro Fitness, the township court, and Sterling Adult Day Services.